Voting has officially begun in the ongoing #AnambraDecides2025 election, as residents head to polling units to elect a new governor.
Reports from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and independent monitors confirm that several centers opened on time, although some experienced minor setbacks and low turnout.
INEC, in a post on its official X handle, confirmed that voting had commenced in Aguata Local Government Area.
“Voting ongoing @ PU 014, RA Achina 02, Aguata LGA, Anambra South Senatorial District,” the commission wrote.
Field reports from independent observers with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID Africa) showed that several polling units in Awka South were fully prepared before the official start time.
At Demonstration Primary School, Agu Oka Ward 01, both polling units 001 and 016 were ready for voters by 8:00 a.m. “Officials and materials were in place, awaiting the commencement of voting,” CJID confirmed.
However, some polling stations reported early challenges. In Orumba North LGA, officials at Ndiukwueni Ward (013), Polling Unit 008 were present, but no security personnel were available as of 8:06 a.m. “Only the Presiding Officer and Assistant Presiding Officer I are on the ground,” CJID wrote in an update.
In Nnewi North LGA, observers confirmed that polling units at Akwuegbo Central School were set up, but voters were yet to arrive by 9:00 a.m. The low early turnout mirrored reports from across the state.
CJID also documented frustration among ad-hoc staff applicants who were not selected for duty. Some expressed anger after spending money on transportation and attending training sessions only to find their names missing from the final list. “One applicant said it would have been better if INEC paid their transport cost or released the list earlier,” CJID reported.
In Nnewi South LGA, voting at Umunuko Central School 1 (New Site), Ukpor Ward 1 started slightly behind schedule.
Observers said polling units 6, 7, and 8 began voting at 8:39 a.m., delayed by the absence of an election agent.
Despite the minor delays, observers described the overall conduct as peaceful, with no major incidents reported. INEC officials continued to update the public on social media using the hashtag #AnambraDecides2025.
Diaspora Digital Media Election observers say voter apathy remains a concern, with many residents citing distrust in the process and security fears.